The effects of betamethasone on maternal cellular resistance to infection

Article Abstract:

Premature labor occurs in 7 percent of pregnancies and is the leading cause of death during the perinatal period (late pregnancy through early infancy). One of the complications associated with premature births is respiratory distress syndrome, caused by inability of the premature fetal lungs to make sufficient amounts of surfactant (a fatty detergent needed for lung function during breathing.) In cases where preterm labor has been stopped, women are often treated with betamethasone, a steroid, to enhance surfactant synthesis. However, steroids have multiple effects, including suppression of inflammation and immune function, increasing the risk of opportunistic infections. The effects of betamethasone on the immune function of cells obtained from blood samples of 86 women were compared with those from 50 control subjects (pregnant women who were not in labor.) T lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell important in fighting infections) in patients treated with betamethasone had a poorer proliferative response for 24 to 48 hours after treatment, but this resolved by 72 hours. This effect was greater in patients at 30 to 32 weeks of gestation and less in patients at 28 and 29 weeks of gestation. Activity of immune cells against bacteria was greater, presumably as compensation for the decreased T cell proliferative response. No increases were found in the frequency of infection in these pregnant patients treated with betamethasone. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Physiological aspects, Pregnancy, Immune response

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Antisperm antibodies to sperm surface antigens in women with genital tract infection

Article Abstract:

Antibodies, proteins made by the immune system that recognize and attack specific foreign molecules, are an important part of the body's defense against bacteria and other disease-associated substances. However, antibodies may also be generated against molecules that are not associated with disease. Some people produce antibodies against molecules found on sperm, and in some couples, these antibodies have been associated with infertility. The process by which production of antisperm antibodies is triggered is unknown, but local inflammation associated with genital tract infection may be one cause. To determine if genital tract infections are associated with production of antisperm antibodies, 212 women with known or presumed genital tract infections and 50 healthy subjects were studied. Approximately half of the women with pelvic inflammatory disease had antisperm antibodies, while less than 20 percent of those with lower genital tract infections had antibody activity. Women with findings suggestive of past pelvic infections had a 70 percent incidence of antisperm antibodies. Women with pelvic inflammatory disease tended to make antibodies against one particular molecule, while those with lower tract infections only tended to have antibodies that recognized five specific sperm molecules. The study supports an association between genital tract infections and the production of antisperm antibodies. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Analysis, Risk factors, Medical examination, Semen, Infertility, Pelvic inflammatory disease, Antigen-antibody reactions

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Repeated use of betamethasone in rabbits: effects of treatment variation on adrenal suppression, pulmonary maturation, and pregnancy outcome

Article Abstract:

It is best to deliver premature babies at least four days after the mother is given betamethasone. Betamethasone is a corticosteroid that is given prenatally to women in premature labor because it increases fetal lung maturation. However, repeated use of corticosteroids can have adverse effects. In a study of pregnant rabbits, repeated betamethasone treatments suppressed both the mother's and the baby's adrenal glands. However, fetal lung maturation improved with repeated doses. Doctors may have to find a middle ground to increase fetal lung maturation but prevent long-term side effects.

Research, Premature birth

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